Gift Guide: For the Console Gamer

Do you have a gamer to buy for this year? I am here to help. I have experience with all 3 of the main consoles: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii.

No matter what console the gamer on your list owns, this list has something they’ll love: the hottest games, most sought-after accessories and even a pair of glasses that will let you game on longer.

And don’t forget that the consoles themselves make great gifts, too, no matter how old you are.

For the Xbox 360 Owner

Here are some hot items for my favorite console, the Xbox 360. I love the integration with Zune and I think the community is awesome. Microsoft has done many things wrong in the last few years; the Xbox 360 is not one of them.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3

Modern Warfare is one of the best selling first person shooters (FPS) of all time, and this sequel became the biggest game launch ever. Within 24 hours of the launch, Modern Warfare 3 sold 6.5 million copies worldwide and grossed $400 million. If your gamer doesn’t have it yet, this is a great idea.

GUNNAR Optiks Modern Warfare 3 Eyewear

For the gamer geek that takes FPS gaming to the extreme, you could give them an edge with Gunner Optiks eyewear. They increase contrast for better visual accuracy, enhance detail for a sharper view, reduce glare and decrease eye fatigue while gaming for long periods of time.

For the Sony PS3 Owner

The PlayStation 3 is a great choice for the built-in Blu-ray player alone, but there is much more. With the PS3, you have a nice lineup of exclusive games, built in WiFi, large internal storage, and some of the best graphics on the market. Sony doesn’t nickle and dime you with membership fees like some other big console makers.

PlayStation Move Starter Bundle

Get their move on! Want interactive gaming similar to the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect? The PlayStation Move Bundle gives you everything you need to get started and includes the games Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest and Sports Champions.

PS3 Wireless Keypad

This inexpensive keypad turns a PS3 controller into a keyboard. It attaches to any DualShock 3 or SixAxis wireless controller to make it easier to type fast and also provides the ability to scroll and make selections.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

This is the #2 PS3 game on Amazon right now. Super graphics, popular franchise, great game play… there is nothing not to like about Uncharted 3. Just like Modern Warfare 3, it’s a must have for fans. Your gamer won’t know if they are watching a movie or playing a game.

For the Nintendo Wii Owner

The Nintendo Wii isn’t just for kids. I have a blast bowling, swinging at virtual baseballs, and playing Mario Kart. For the price, the Wii is the best value of the three major consoles. What the Wii lacks in graphics, it makes up in fun. The Wii is a great gift for your younger gamers but don’t forget the adults too!

Premium Dual Charging Station

This is a must have for any Wii owners. This charging station comes with the charging cradle and 2 x 2800mAh battery packs. It has a visual indicator to let your gamer know when the controller is charging or fully charged.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Zelda is one of the longest running video game franchises. You can’t go wrong with the newest offering. This is the #1 game currently available for the Wii. Be warned that buying someone new to the Zelda franchise this game might result in your gamer wanting to get older versions too!

Skylander’s Spyro’s Adventure Starter Pack

This is one that my gamer son loves. It comes with a platform that integrates with the game wirelessly. You place the figure for the character you want to control in game on the platform and, magically, you are now controlling that action figure on screen. Pretty good idea for a younger gamer. There are additional figures that can be purchased to give your gamer more choices. (More about Skylanders)

Must Have Games No Matter the Console

Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls V

Skyrim is a role-playing video game from Bethesda Game Studios. It’s the most anticipated version of The Elder Scrolls action role-playing video game series. It is available for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This is one of the biggest hits of the holiday season. Be prepared to forget what time it is — an hour of game play can turn into 5 hours before you know it.

Just Dance 3

With Microsoft and Sony following Nintendo’s lead on interactive gaming, games like Just Dance are now a reality on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. Just Dance is wildly popular and provides hours of fun with friends and family. Grab this one for any system and your gamer can have a blast. In addition to having the top hits to dance to, your gamer will get a workout!

LA Noire

Does your gamer like to solve crimes? This is one of the top games from the past year. Fire up the time machine and head back to LA in 1947 to solve crimes. Top notch graphics, multiple console support, and a deep story line make this game a must for your gamer.

Batman Arkham City

The sequel to the smash hit Arkham Asylum has Batman battling Gotham’s most notorious criminals throughout the whole city. Bigger playground, bigger problems, bigger gameplay. Featuring some sick graphics and multiple player characters, Arkham City will keep your gamer entertained for hours. Available on Xbox 360, PS3, and the PC.